A bit of rain, a bit of sun, a bit of cold, a bit of mild, a bit of cloud, a bit of fog, a bit of clear skies and a bit more rain. Why not? It’s been a muddled, muddy and, to some extent, disappointing week, weather-wise.
We had some lovely photos of two of our families in the Far East. Ben, Brex-Anna and Max have joined Adam, Ava and the girls in Chiang Mai in Thailand for a week or so. They (Ben & Brex-Anna) travelled from LA to Japan and spent a few days there before heading off to Thailand. Adam, Ava and the girls, of course, flew from China and they all met up earlier this week. No doubt they’ll have lots of fun and it’s lovely that the cousins have an opportunity to get together. Ben, Brex-Anna and Max go off to Hong Kong for a few days when they leave Chiang Mai.
And, in just over a week, Adam, Ava and the girls will be back in the UK! Oh, Happy Day!
It’s a long time they’ve been away (just about a year) and, although we saw them in February in Vietnam it’s not quite the same as having them just a half hour down the road. We’re increasingly excited about having them back although I don’t imagine they’re all that excited about a return to the dreary, dismal, cold English winter.
Great excitement – yesterday we picked up a “new to us” car – a Toyota Corolla Estate Hybrid – very smart and very red!
Long story short – Adam and Ava’s car has been stored in our driveway while they’ve been away. We knew it had some faults but, to get it ready for their return, I took it to the friendly motor mechanic in the village who advised that one of the faults was major. And would cost major money to put right. So, sadly that car is for the scrap heap and they will need something to get them round and about. Easy answer – take ours over and we’ll look for a replacement for ourselves. Hence, the arrival of the bright red Corolla. Penny has decided it should be named Chérie!
Not much else has happened this week. We did have to take Daisy to the vet on Wednesday for her annual check-up and a kennel cough booster. You need to know that the vets is perhaps not Daisy’s favourite place which is peculiar. She’s never had anything “bad” done there but she has always hated going in.
Perhaps it’s the smell of other nervous dogs? But it’s the only place where she goes absolutely mental – slinking to the floor and trying to get behind any convenient piece of furniture all the while carrying on with her pseudo-whining/singing which is loud enough to wake the dead. And, all the vet wanted to do was to check her over – he even got down on the floor with her and attempted to carry out his inspection while she moaned and whined whilst hiding under Penny’s chair. Peculiar – what is it about the vets? Answers on the back of a postcard, please.
Those of you who follow our Nick on Facebook will know that, sadly, he has had a recurrence of his cancer which he dealt with so courageously five or so years ago. Another dismally depressing dose of chemotherapy ahead of him, just in time for the holiday season! Keep him in your thoughts and send lots of positive good wishes his way, please.
And, I think that’s about it for this week.
Meanwhile, keep breathing, keep happy, keep smiling, keep exercising, be good, be careful, and keep safe. And be gentle to wasps and bees – we need all the pollinators we can get.
Lots of love to you all,
Greg